Classical writer, born in Paris. He devoted himself to the cause of the queen, Marie de' Medici, in opposition to Richelieu, and became entangled in a series of love adventures and political intrigues, and was forced to live in exile (1639--42). Involved in the wars of the Frondes, he was wounded at the siege of Paris, and retired to the country after being wounded again in 1652. His MŽmoires, written in retirement, was published in 1664, but as it gave wide offence he denied its authorship. He is best known for his RŽflexions, ou sentences et maximes morales (first edition, 1665), commonly known as the Maximes, making him the leading exponent of the French literary term maxime ("maxim').